I adverted in a former letter. Should we be favored with some person for Russell Town, and I trust we shall form a threefold cord that shall not be quickly broken.

kingdom of providence and of grace at the present period of the world, it is impossible to contemplate them, without the deepest emotions of wonder, of gratitude and of praise-not only the arts and I have continued at Laprairie and Beau- sciences-the principles of civil liberty harnois as usual; but the long wet are rapidly advancing but those of spir spring has kept the roads in such a state itual freedom, of salvation are moving as to render it impracticable to visit the forward with accelerated motion and more distant places. I have also regu-power.-God has promisd to his Son the larly attended a weekly meeting at La-heathen for an inheritance and the utterprairie for improvement in singing and also for prayer: and I hope that some good is resulting from these engage

ments.

most parts of the earth for a possession. And the great events which almost every where are following in swift succession, both in the political and moral world, most clearly evince that we are approaching near to the fulfilment of this promise

In my last, I mentioned that our Sabbath School here had been renovated, and that the children distinguished them--near to the day of millenial glory. The selves by their diligent and persevering efforts in committing to memory portions of Sacred Scripture and Hymns, &c. The numbers are from 30 to 40, not a very imposing number, yet as we hope they may become the salt of this part of the earth,-the light of this little world, -the little leaven of this inert lump; I am sure that you will rejoice to learn that from the interest which they feel in the duties of the school, they recited on one single sabbath recently 1500 verses: besides these exercises they are questioned on portions of Sacred Scripture as in Bible classes, and addressed both individually and collectively on the duties which they owe to God,-to men in their various relations, and to their own souls. I have good reason to anticipate the best effects to arise from this source; for the soul of the present school and almost the only useful characters are those who were similarly trained when I was formerly here. When the number and spirit have so much improved both in teachers and children I cannot but hope for good fruit.

In my last I gave you an intimation that it was in contemplation to attempt the erection of a house for God. Meetings were held for the purpose of considering the subject and persons were appointed to carry it into execution.

The subscription towards the object now amounts to nearly six hundred dollars.

The spot of ground is secured and we hope that two, or at most three months, will witness its actual commencement.Thus we trust that something is doing however small for the advancement of the best of all causes, the cause of God and Truth.

NEW YORK.

rays of divine truth are falling with increasing splendor on the darkness of our world; and amidst the ruins with which it is overspread, they are causing life and light and beauty to appear. Almost every enterprise projected for the amelioration of the condition and salvation of man, is hailed with delight and followed by triumph. Considering the obstacles which we have had to encounter, such to a considerable extent has been the fact in relation to the efforts which have been made for the establishment of the gospel in this place-proposals have already been given for the erection of a church. And it is contemplated to commmence the work immediately and if possible to complete it by the 1st of Nov. The spirit of the Lord we trust has not forsaken us.— There are some among us who are inquiring the way to Zion. We have two services on the sabbath and one during the week. "Sabbath schools-Bible Classes and Monthly Concert still continue interesting and flourishing. Since I last addressedyou, two large additional schools have been organized.-In each a library has been placed of nearly $40 in value. The A. S. S. Question books are the ones which we use. A Temperance Society has also been established with every prospect of abundant success-special efforts on this subject are soon to be made throughout this County-measures have also been taken by the Presbytery for supplying more generally this region with Missionary labour. But while something is done much more remains to be accomplished.

From MR. S. PECK, Alden, New York, July 1st, 1831.

Since my last report, there has been an addition to the church here, of twentyseven, by confession, and one by letter. Twelve of them were baptized, and four Such are the mighty movements in the children. When the above were receiv

From Mr. A. SCOVEL, Columbiaville, N. Y.
July 14th, 1831.

ed into the church, the sight was truly solemn and joyful. One man, of seventythree, came forward; and from that down to the female of fifteen or sixteen. This took place about the 20th of April last, and as yet, they all seem to be growing christians. There still seems to be a degree of seriousness on the minds of many in this place, and we fondly hope that there have been two or three conversions since I last wrote.

From Rev. G. G. SILL, West Mendon, Monroe county, N. Y., July 1st, 1831.

The revival which I stated in my last report as being enjoyed here at that time, has subsided, though a few cases of hopeful conversion have occurred during the quarter. Fifteen persons have been added to the church, thirteen of whom were upon examination, and two by letter. The greater part of those received upon

revival.

An address, on the subject of temper-examination were subjects of the recent ance, was delivered here on the 19th ult. by a Mr. Yale; at the close of which the temperance society received an accession of about twenty. Our Sabbath School continues as usual.

The meeting house of which I spoke on a former occassion, will be raised, Providence permitting, next week. So you see, Dear Sir, how the Lord seems to smile upon us in some degree. Yet there is much here still, which calls for deep mourning in Zion.

We

The Sabbath school cause is receiving more attention than heretofore. now have two schools, one of which is in the village and the other two miles distant. The latter has been formed during the quarter just closed. The number of attendants in both is between ninety and one hundred.

A tract society has been formed in the congregation, the monthly distribution commenced, and two hundred and twenty of the families in this town are now enjoying the benefits of it.

From the Rev. H. HALSEY, dated, Cam-tofore been a brick school-house, being Our place of worship, which has herebria, Niagara co. New York, July 1st, 1851.too small for the accommodation of the

Since my last date a portion of my time has been occupied in attending protracted and public meetings in this region, and in one case our meeting on the Sabbath was omitted, our place of worship, the school-house being occupied by Universalists, who hold it one third of the time. I have instituted two Bible classes which I attend weekly, and there are now in operation six Sabbath-schools,

one containing between 40 and 50 scholars, the others smaller. Besides the Sabbath-schools, I have paid some attention to the visitation of common schools, and the distribution of religious tracts. Our temperance societies have made a gradual advance. The monthly concert is thinly attended, and but little is contributed for missions. Weekly prayer meetings are attended in different neighborhoods, and the females make annually a small contribution to foreign missions.

40 feet long, 24 wide, and 14 high, at an congregation a building has been erected expense of about $400, which is to antill a church shall be erected, when it swer the purpose of a place of worship The new building is expected to be ready may be converted into a session house. for occupancy in ten days, and will seat about 250 persons.

in prosperous circumstances in every reThis little church appears now to be spect, except that of growing in grace. exists to a considerable extent, and conA declension in religious feeling now sequently impenitent sinners are not inquiring what they shall do to be saved.

Оньо.

From the Rev. R. B. DOBBINS, dated Williamsburg, Ohio, 1st July, 1831.

The church of White Oak, which is in the bounds of the Presbytery of ChiliSince my last there have been in each cothe, is in a favourable condition. As of the societies which I serve, several far as I know there is no division of hopeful conversions, there are now a few sentiment about the missionary question cases of special seriousness, and it is ex-among them. On our last communion pected that some will be added to the occasion, 2d Sabbath in June, there was church at the next communion. Of those much more feeling than usual. I hope converted, a part have joined the Bap-it was a profitable time to numbers that tists and a part the Methodists. Universalism still predominates in Cambria; the Sabbath is much profaned in divers ways -still it may be said that the cause of morals and of true religion is on the ad- The workmanship of the edifice for vance in the particular places of my la-public worship is in a state of progression. bour, and in the surrounding country, So that upon the whole, we have cause

were present. It was a four days meeting. Ten were added to the communion of the church. One adult baptized, and one infant.

of encouragement and thankfulness, ra- and high waters, one has been dismissed ther than otherwise, respecting White for disagreeing with some of the docOak church. White Oak church re-trines of the confession of faith, as conported forty-five members 1st April, 1830, now her number of members is 84, almost double.

From the Rev. A. LEONARD, dated Truro, rious consequences resulting, from the Ohio, July 1st, 1831.

Alternate hope and fear, have occupied my breast since my last report, now full three months, God has poured out his spirit to some extent, and I have hoped that he would increase, and give permanency to his church in this place. I have feared that through the unfaithfulness of christians, and of myself in particular, he would be provoked to take away his spirit from us and leave us to lukewarmness, the worst state of a church.

taining a system of doctrines taught in the Holy Scriptures. Our session are of the opinion, sir, that there is nothing gained, but on the contrary many se retention of heretical members in the church. The strength and permanency of the church, does not consist in the number, but purity of its members. We have reason to bless God that harmony, and to all appearances evangelical piety exists among us, and we hope by using all necessary precaution, to persevere in the way of holiness.

The Temperance cause is growing among us, most of the farmers carry on their concerns without the use of ardent spirits. There are none of the members of our church engaged in distilling, or that traffic in it in any way, and all I believe are living on the principle of entire abstinence.

We are about commencing the monthly distribution of tracts. We have pledged an agent who was with us, to supply about two hundred families, and will commence operations as soon as the Tracts arrive.

Since writing my last report I have preached thirty-six sermons, attended the monthly concerts, and many prayer meetings and inquiry meetings and Bible Every family within the bounds of our classes in which I have given many ex-church are supplied with the Holy Scriphortations; I have baptized ten persons,tures. I have supplied the south-west three adults and seven infants, adminis- corner of the county in which I reside. tered the Lord's supper once (in Truro) and received into communion on examination, 24 persons on the 3d Sabbath of June,adding to these the four admitted in February last, will make 28 persons gathered into the fold of Christ. There are five or six others, of whose conversion we have strong confidence; these will probably be added to the church hereafter. There is no case of recent convicti n known to the session, and I believe there has been no case of deep conviction that has not terminated in hopeful conversion. Some indeed, (about four persons) attended the inquiry meet- All these circumstances considered, ings, who have not been brought to re-present pleasing prospects, yea they are joice in hope, but their impressions were not deep. Those who were primarily members of the Bible class in Truro, are now all members of the church but one, and that one anxious to obtain an interest in the great redeemer and sometimes trusting in his mercy.

INDIANA.

Our Sunday-schools are in a tolerable flourishing condition, there appears to be an increasing interest taken in the institution, both among parents and children. The library books are perused by all with increasing avidity, and I hope are exerting a mighty influence, upon the lives and morals of the people.

presages of the glorious millenium,and we hope and pray the period is not far distant, when all shall know the Lord; yet dear sir, when we look around especially in this western country, 'there is much land to be possessed, '& much to damp the feelings of the truly pious. There are hundreds and thousands who are ignorant of God, and regardless of their future welfare, and even professed christians are

From the Rev. T. E. HUGHS, Dunlapsville, living too much for this world. What a

Union co. Indiana, July 5th, 1831.

We had a communion season here in May, brother McGuffey of Oxford, assisted. It was solemn and interesting and we fondly hope the hearts of some were deeply impressed with divine] truths, who were hitherto careless, two were admitted on the occasion, and two others who we expected to enter with us, were providentially detained by sickness

loud call is this for ministers and people to be awake.

ILLINOIS.

From the Rev. B. F. SPILMAN, dated Golconda, Illinois, June 30th, 1831.

We have lately held a three days meeting in Shawnee-town, and received two members into that church, also, a

school in Blount county has twentythree scholars and nine teachers. All of these are Presbyterian schools except the one in Hines's Valley, which is a Methodist school. The whole number of scholars in these schools, is one hundred and sixty three, who are under the instruction of thirty five teachers.

four days meeting in the Golconda || The school in Hines's Valley has fortychurch, and received seven members, three scholars and nine teachers. The as the fruits of the little season of refreshing, that we here lately enjoyed "from the presence of the Lord." Both meetings were well attended, and were interesting and solemn. But it was not then our privilege "to see the power and glory" of the Lord displayed in such a way "as we have seen in the sanctuary." I have formed a Bible class in the Golconda congregation, consisting of about 30 members, and expect the number to increase.

The Sabbath-school cause is progressing beyond my most sanguine expectations. A Sabbath-school has lately been established in Equality, and furnished with a library: and in addition to the one which I reported in the Golconda church; another has been established in the country and one in town; making three Sabbath-schools in the bounds of this congregation.

To one of these, 45 scholars have at tended: to another 24. The number in the town school is not yet ascertained, as it has just commenced operations. These schools are all furnished with libraries. And I cannot but look upon these dear little nurseries of piety with intense interest!! Equality and vicinity still exhibit encouraging prospects.

I have not yet heard of the arrival of Mr. Ramsey, your missionary for Carmie and Sharon. Oh that the head of the church may smile upon our efforts to obtain more laborers in this needy part!! Since I last addressed you I have removed to Golconda, tho' I still occupy the same field of labor. We need two or three ministers more, in this part of the state very much: and I think application will be made shortly to the Board for them. Warm hearted, zealous and devoted, old school men, would be best received in our end of the state.

TENNESSEE.

From Rev. J. DYKE, Roane county, Tenessee, July 11th, 1831.

Increase of Sabbath Schools. I have organized four Sabbath-schools, one at Pleasant Grove church-one in Sweetwater Valley, three miles west of Pleasant Grove-one in Hines's Valley, seven miles west of Pleasant Grove-and, one in Blount county, on Holsten river, six miles east of Unitia. The school at Pleasant Grove has seventy two scholars and eleven teachers, which is one of the most interesting schools I have ever visited.

The school in Sweetwater Valley has twenty-five scholars and six teachers. VOL. IX. Ch. Adv.

Progress of Temperance.

I have organized a temperance society in Pleasant Grove church, thirty five have joined it, and I have heard of a good many more that expect to join. When I first came into this region the people were principally all opposed to temperance societies. I visited and conversed with them on the subject of intemperance and tried to show them the evil of it. One day riding in company with the merchant who lives within the bounds of this little church, I said to him, Col., the christian people, in almost every church throughout the United States, are || organizing temperance societies, and what ought we to do? Said he, I will be honest and candid with you, I will be opposed to it. Sir, it looked like turning over a mountain without foothold, but I knew the Saviour was on his march to conquer the nations of the earth, and that the chariot wheels of this heaven-born institution was on the high-way, in the hedges and ditches, rallying the enemy, and exposing them to open shame. After a long season of conversing, pleading and praying, I preached on the subject of temperance, June 12, 1831, from Prov. 20th,-"Strong drink is raging"-after the sermon was over, the Col. exclaimed,gentlemen I have been a dram drinker a long time, but I am done with it, I never will buy another barrel as long as I live, it is out of the question. This caused my heart to leap for joy, and these words came immediately upon my mind, "Fear not for I am with thee." A Baptist brother came to hear me that day, who had scarcely ever thought of the subject of intemperance before, he immediately saw the evil of it, his eyes were opened, his soul awakened, and he is now doing all he can for the temperance cause in the little church to which he belongs. I have heard since, that he has said as soon as he gets about twenty persuaded to join the temperance society, that he will come and bring them along and join our society.

NORTH CAROLINA.

From Rev. H. M. KERR, dated Rutherford, N. C. July 11th, 1831.

Except when absent, assisting some of 3 S

my brethren on communion occasions, I preach regularly twice a month, on the Sabbath, at Little Britain, and once a month at Duncan's creek, and Drucilla each. When there are five Sabbaths in the month I preach at Brackett's Gold mine. This place is on the out-skirts of Little Britain and Drucilla. The encouragement to labor at that place is very good. Hundreds come together, and listen to the word preached with great apparent earnestness, and some visible tenderness. I cannot say that there is, as yet, any certain prospect of building up a church at that place, as the population is very fluctuating. Though I think it my duty to pay some attention to it, and do what I can for the many precious souls that are round about it. Owing to feeble health, I do not preach often on week days, except at our communion occasions, when we always have a four days meeting. From excessive preaching, for the last two or three years, and much of it in the open air, my lungs are considerably affected. I thought for a while, this summer that I would have to limit my preaching to one discourse on the Sabbath. But I have been enabled hitherto, to preach twice every Sabbath; and my health is improving. My field of labor is very extensive. Twenty-five or thirty miles in length; and fifteen or twenty in width. There is no other preacher, of our order, in this very extensive country.

though some are very resolute yet. The temperance cause is evidently gaining ground, and must ultimately prevail. At Duncan's creek there has been, for some months, an increased attention to divine things. On next Sabbath I expect to administer the sacrament of the supper in that place. The appointment is for a four days meeting, which I hope will be a precious time, when the Lord will make bare his arm, to save sinners, and add to the number of the faithful. We have there also an interesting Sabbath-school. Our Sabbath-schools are very much diminished in number, by the operation of a late law of the state, prohibiting the instruction of the people of colour. Duncan's creek is a small.congregation; but the communicants have more than doubled within the last three years.

From a Missionary in North Carolina, dated July 1, 1831.

At hurch we have established a Sunday-school; and a Bible class; composed of young people, chiefly young men; several of whom are pious, and I have reason to believe are looking forward to the ministry, as they are acquiring a classical education at that place. We have also a temperance society, numbering between 50 and 60 members, and which I have no doubt, has a considerable influence over many of those who even refuse to join the society.

I travel and visit considerable, but keep no memorandum of the number of At my own house, about five miles miles traveled, or families visited. I distant from the church, I also preach, am in the general more than half my statedly; have a Sunday-school in operatime absent from my family. At Little tion, and Bible class: at this latter place Britain the state of religion is pretty en- it may indeed truly be said to be missioncouraging. Good and attentive congre- ary ground. The people though kind & gations wait on the ministration of the attentive, are, with a very few excepword. On the 4th Sabbath in May we tions, lamentably ignorant; great numhad the ordinance of the supper adminis-bers are unable to read their Bibles, at tered. And according to our custom the meeting was continued from Friday to Monday. Though there were but two added to the communion of the church, it was quite an interesting occasion. About 15 expressed anxiety for the salvation of their souls. Within the last three years there have been 140 added to this church. Here we have a Sabbath-school, and Bible class, which are doing considerable good. There are two branches of the Sabbath-school in distant sections of the congregation, with suitable superintendants. We have also a temperance society which numbers 87 members, and others are now prepared to give us their pledge, of entire abstinence. To this cause we have had some very violent opposition. But the opposition is decreasing in numbers and degree;

any rate intelligently; spend their Sabbaths as might be expected, mostly in visiting, wandering over their fields, hunting, fishing, &c. A little north of me the county is pretty well supplied with preaching; but south of where I live there is not another Presbyterian preacher that I know of, for upwards of sixty miles; and but two, I have reason to believe, of any denomination, who are stationary. That you may form some idea of the state of things among this people, I will relate one or two facts, among many others, that might be enumerated, which have come within my own knowledge. A man who lived near me, a professor of religion, and the member of a christian church, owning about twenty thousand dollars worth of property, died, left a large family of children, all grown,